Launch MOBY

"MOBYS" Launch campaign 
 
Through blood, sweat, and tears she continues to be
"SPIRIT IN MATTER". Not just a Sailboat but a part of our family. Help her get outfitted for Cuba and fullfill an old man's dream.

Her Story:
Moby is a "Classic" 72 ft Ketch  build as an English sail training vessel in 1972.  My father, a professional captain since 1985, purchsed her in 1995  as a derelict hull in hopes to one day charter her. 
Over the next 10 years  we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into this boat. She was a part of our family. In 2001, we spent  4 grueling  months in final  preparation to deliver her down the Mississppi River to Pensacola, Florida where she lives today.After all the hard work she was gleaming, we all were.
Then in 2004 my parents were living aboard, and just starting to charter, when Hurricane Ivan hit. My dad, refusing to leave Moby, stayed aboard. My brother luckily had decided to ride out the storm with him.  They both ended up jumping ship and swam 3/4 of a mile to shore just a few hours before the eye hit. It was a blessing my brother was there on that swim in high seas and strong winds.  Moby was totaled by Loyds of London, the insurer. After the storm........

She was sighted 4 days later,  4 miles west, and 75 yards inland from where my father and brother jumped ship. Ivan had layed her against a house wedging a smaller boat in between, totaling both boats and the house.
What a sight.
My parents lost their home and everything in it. It took us months to get her cleaned out. It was as though she was put into a giant washing maschine, spun around 100 times and spit out, leaving many holes in the hull, one 8 ft long. It's hard to describe the damange or the God awful smell.  Devisatation. Tears. 
By some miracle the only cabinet with it's contents left still intact was one that had her insurance paperwork in it.  It was laying on top a pile of papers unharmed. 
Moby was appraised at $227,000 before the storm. After the double deductable, salvage, and paying Moby's debt, they ended up with $25,000. He then bought  Moby back for $5,000.  ;) 

Here we go again!

Keeping Moby meant yet another long restoration project .  After Ivan,  they lived in a Fema trailer while working, and working on Moby. The project took a lot of time, money, and dedication. Dedication was never the problem.A depression of sorts set in, Dad struggled through a motorcycle accident breaking his neck, personal family trials, the BP oil spill, then four knee sugeries , and multiple tropical storms which caused more challange. He did not stop working on the boat So here we are today, trying to get Moby fully restored.
(photo taken July 18, 2016)
This is me working in the bilges. (July 19, 2016)

Help us set wind to her sails again. If he can make it to Cuba with Moby this would truly be a 68 year old man's chance to realize his dream. 

Today:
She is currently on the hard, and we are working daily. There is over $25,000 worth of hardware and materials needed to get her outfitted for Cuba. This does NOT include any labor as my father does all the labor himself. 

The race:  St. Petersburg - Habana Feb 28th 2017. The  last time this race was sponsored by St Petersburg Yacht Club was 1956!
http://www.spyc.org/files/Habana%20Cup%202017-announcement-6-7-16.pdf

What the money will be used for. 
(these are rounded numbers)

-4 new Keel bolts               $   800
-Mizzen paint & Rig          $1,500
-Chainplates repaired     $1,600
-Deck repaired                   $2,000
-Genset                                   $7,500
-Add refrigeration             $4,200
-Rudder fixed, repaired  $1,800
-Rub/caprail replaced      $1,500
-Hull blisters                         $2,000
-2nd  Head                             $1,200
-Max prop                              $ 4,500
Total                                      $  28,600

We are hoping to Raise $20,000

Meet the captain and his chief supporter,  "Mom". 

Bob & Paula Falkner


"For those with the spirit to soar may this human condition not impede your triumph".
   -Fugazi



Any and all Donations are appreciated. 

All Donations will recieve a personal thank you card signed by the captian and a photo of Moby. 

*Please send me a message with your name and address*

All donations over $50 will also recieve a Moby campaign graphics T-shirt sizes sml through XXL.

All donations over $500 will have thier name included in haul decal for the race. 

All Donations over $1000 can contact us directly to set up a date for a future destinaton sail from Tampa bay. 
(transportation not included) 

Any company willing to sponsor Moby please contact me directly. 

Please follow Moby at www.sailmoby.com